Careem, the region’s leading ride-hailing service in the MENA, Turkey and Pakistan, expanded its services into the Republic of Iraq, as part of its broader commitment to improving transportation across the region. Operation will  officially commence in Baghdad today (January 15, 2018), with plans to expand in more cities across Iraq in the near future.

Established in 2012, Careem now operates in over 90 cities across more than 13 countries. It has over 15 million users and 500,000 captains (drivers) in the broader MENA, Turkey and Pakistan region.

Iraqi residents will now have access to Careem’s mobile application-based service, allowing them to order rides 24/7 via the app and, through GPS technology, and have flexible payment options, including cash, credit card, or Careem credit. Furthermore, by employing local captains and creating new job opportunities for Iraqi citizens, Careem is moving closer toward its goal of creating one million jobs across the Middle East and North Africa by 2018.

Cofounder & CEO of Careem, Mudassir Sheikha, said: “Iraq is a country with rich heritage and strategic importance for the region. We are determined to overcome local challenges so that we can simplify mobility for Iraqis and create income-generating opportunities for them and their families. Through our presence on the ground, we hope to contribute to the rebuilding of Iraq to its former status as one of the leading nations in the Middle East.”

Along with its ride-hailing operations across the greater MENA region, Careem has established research and development departments and call centers in Pakistan, Egypt, Lebanon, UAE, KSA, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan, and Germany, further emphasizing its aim of propelling continuous innovation, economic growth, and job creation on an international scale.

Careem boasts a diverse array of high-profile investors from across the region and beyond, all of whom are helping accelerate the company’s growth and innovation. These investors include esteemed companies like Al Tayyar Group, the largest institutional investor in Careem; Kingdom Holding Company; Rakuten; STC Ventures; Didi Chuxing, China’s largest ride hailing firm; Daimler AG; DCM Ventures; Coatue Management; Lumia Capital; and Wamda Capital.